Maternity benefits... Not until you register

On Wednesday 10 Jan I contacted my broker to enquire about Discovery's new maternity benefits as I suspected that I was pregnant. She rep**** that she didn't know and would check with Discovery.

On Friday the 12th I went for my first visit at the gynaecologist and the pregnancy was confirmed at 8 weeks. On Saturday the 13th I registered my pregnancy in the app without being told that it was necessary.

On Monday my husband received an email stating that our most recent account from the gynae was paid from our MSA.

I phoned Discovery about the account and enquired why the account was not paid from the maternity benefits. I was informed by two consultants and a manager that it was a requirement that the pregnancy had to be registered before claiming benefits. I asked Vuyo (the manager) how I was to know that. He rep**** that they educate members as well as brokers. I emphasised that neither I nor my Broker was educated about the registration of the pregnancy.

A few minutes ago we received a further email confirming that the normal pregnancy bloodtests (also done on the 12th) was again paid from our savings account.

Vuyo further indicated that the benefits would be available for the rest of my pregnancy. Unfortunately that does not solve my problem as these bloodtests will not be done again and is specifically catered for by the Maternity Benefits.

Our MSA has now paid R3600 (about 25% from our total savings) which should have been paid from the Maternity Benefits.

I am unable to accept Discovery's response and I will be contacting the Medical Schemes Ombud if necessary.